Order
Psittaciformes
Family
Psittacidae
Genus
Guaruba
 
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Version 1.0

This is a historic version of this account.  Current version

SPECIES

Golden Parakeet Guaruba guarouba

Thiago O. Laranjeiras
Version: 1.0 — Published April 4, 2011

Behavior

Introduction

Foraging behavior


Golden Parakeets forage in the canopy of primary or secondary forest and they can spend all the day in the feeding sites, especially during the nonbreeding season. On successive days, a flock uses similar routes between roost and feeding sites (Oren and Novaes 1986), and forages in the same fruiting tree until the fruit becomes depleted (Kyle 2005, Laranjeiras 2008a). The birds can remain quiet while feeding, but the noisy cracking of nuts can be notable, and some individuals vocalize periodically, primarily before the flock leaves the fruiting tree, or when a raptor crosses over the canopy or when they perceive another threat.


While in the fruiting tree, the parakeets socialize, auto/allo preen, or just loaf. One or two parakeets usually assume an elevated position for vigilance while other birds are eating. During the post-reproductive period, first year juveniles also beg, and apparently different individuals of the flock may feed them.Golden Parakeet juvenile asking for food. Note the shape of tail and wings and the ruffled plumage around the head. (Thiago Laranjeiras)

Roosting behavior


Golden Parakeets roost in tree cavities in small groups of four to 20 individuals (Laranjeiras 2008a). Roosts with more than 20 individuals are not known. Although the Golden Parakeet seems to tolerate the presence of other birds and parrot species in the roost site, mixed-species roosts including Golden Parakeet are not known. The roost tree also is used for nesting.


Golden Parakeets usually arrive in the roost site in a single flock. In the twilight at dusk before entering in the tree cavity, and at dawn before leaving to feeding sites, parakeets spend a variable amount of time in nonsocial and social interactions. On rainy days, the parakeets remain near the roost tree, leaving the area for feeding only during short periods. In the warm hours of the day, the flock keeps near the roost tree while resting.

Golden Parakeet in the cavity entrance in different roosting trees. (C) Thiago Laranjeiras

Territoriality

Golden Parakeets are not reported to be territorial, but in western Pará, focal observations recorded aggressive behavior (intense vocalization, chasing and expulsion) from one flock to another in roosting, breeding and also in feeding sites (unpublished data). At breeding sites, the flock also reacted defensively to the presence of other parrots flocks, including Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna), Red-bellied Macaw (Orthopsittaca manilata) and Orange-winged Parrot (Amazona amazonica).

Sexual Behavior

Golden Parakeets have unusual sexual behavior, and this is one of the most interesting aspects of its biology. The species remains in large flocks during the reproductive period and this has been related to the presence of multiple pairs nesting communally, with reproductive helpers (Oren and Novaes 1986) or juveniles from different generations of a single leading pair (Reynolds 2003). Extra-pair paternity is recorded in captivity (Albertani et al. 1997). There is no direct information from field, but parakeets are extremely social in the nest sites, with allopreening involving usually more than two birds. During the reproductive period, pairs can be seen inside the flocks and sometimes separate from the flock in order to copulate (Silveira and Belmonte 2005).

Social and interspecific behavior

Golden Parakeets are extremely social, living in flocks of 4-20 individuals, even during the reproductive period. The average flock size (ca 10 individuals) is one of the largest among neotropical parrots. At feeding sites, these parakeets may group in flocks with up 50 individuals. At roosting sites, the flock is extremely social, spending a considerable time in multi-bird interactions, including playing, allo-preening and acrobatics.

Golden Parakeets spent a considerable time in mutli-birds interactions. (C) Thiago Laranjeiras
The Golden Parakeet is not known to congregate in inter-specific flocks. In western Pará, focal observations recorded these parakeets foraging with Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus menstruus) and also with Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) (Laranjeiras 2008a). Golden Parakeets can tolerate the presence of other birds in the roosting sites, such as aracaris (Pteroglossus), tityras (Tityra), woodpeckers, or woodcreepers. Other parrots are also tolerated, such as Red-fan Parrot (Deroptyus accipitrinus), Crisomon-bellied Parakeet (Pyrrhura perlata) and Blue-headed Parrot. On the other hand, at breeding sites during the reproductive period, the Golden Parakeets react defensively to the presence of conspecific flocks, of other parrot species (especially Scarlet Macaw Ara macao), and raptors (Laranjeiras 2008a).

Predation

Ramphastos toucans are reported to be the main predators of the eggs and nestlings of Golden Parakeets (Oren and Novaes 1986). Around the nesting sites, the parakeets show defensive behavior against these toucans and several species of raptors (Oren and Novaes 1986, Silveira and Belmonte 2005, Laranjeiras 2008a). Raptors may be an important predator of Golden Parakeet adults. In 2007, I saw attacks by the Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis) pairs over Golden Parakeet flocks, but without success. Golden Parakeet flocks also reacted defensively against the presence of other raptor species.

Recommended Citation

Laranjeiras, T. O. (2011). Golden Parakeet (Guaruba guarouba), version 1.0. In Neotropical Birds Online (T. S. Schulenberg, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/nb.golpar3.01